Web Guide to Healthcare: Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal growth and function. The body does not manufacture most (except D and K); They are obtained through diet and supplementation. Usually, the body only requires small amounts of these. There are 13 known vitamins. The following links to some of the more commonly used of these, discussing their essential function and importance to us.

This site explores the important vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K as well as minerals Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, selenium and Zinc. If you have any question about your levels your healthcare provider can order tests for you or you can order your at home tests (not covered by insurance but covered by HSA, FSA - turnaround time is 1-3 days. Explore these tests on our CLIA certified affiliate HealthLabs.com

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The quality of vitamins and mineral supplements varies a great deal from one manufacturer to another. In addition to using a good brand name, it is imperative that you check the dosage, the ingredients, and the instructions/warnings for the vitamins you choose. Some contain unnecessary ingredients and/or potentially toxic components. Those components to watch for include Titanium dioxide – One particular agent that helps whiten the vitamin (triggers allergies, stomach cancer, autoimmune disorders, and potential organ toxicity).

Many of my posts about vitamins, supplements and herbs have a section on "recommended brands". I recommend these based on FDA authorization (FDA does not test many supplements) or on reputable third-party testing sites that check for standards of safety, purity effectiveness, and transparency. I will not knowingly support a product that is untested or that is commonly found to be ineffective or dangerous. As noted below, in efforts to support this free site, some links are associated with affiliates who grant me a small commission.

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​Dyes or food coloring: These are usually applicable to dyes taken in excess, but users should be aware of potential and controversial effects. 

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Magnesium Silicate: This is an agent sometimes in vitamins and supplements to keep the pills from sticking to machinery during production. The primary component of talc. When inhaled (as in talcum powder), it can be unsafe. When taken orally in minimal amounts, it is generally considered safe by the FDA.  While some talcs (Magnesium salicates) are very pure, others may contain asbestos that come from the same mining areas in the ground. Asbestos is a cancer-causing agent, particularly when inhaled. Typically, supplements, including vitamins, are not tested for asbestos content; therefore, whether or not a magnesium silicate supplement or vitamin contains it is not known.

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Trace toxins: Supplements may have traces of lead, mercury, and PCBs (toxic industrial chemicals used in manufacturing many products until it was banned in 1979 - still in the environment). 

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Hydrogenated Oils: Cardiovascular problems, diabetes, nervous system problems, increased LDL, decreased HDL

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So, start reading labels.

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Dosage: You do not want to take excessive amounts of any vitamin or mineral unless directed otherwise by a healthcare provider. Excessive amounts can lead to health problems.

The Harvard School of Public Health has a great site with clear vitamin recommendations (RDAs - recommended daily allowances/daily dosages).

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Notes:

• Try to stagger your vitamins and minerals because they can affect the absorption of others, canceling the optimal effect of the other.

• Remember: Vitamins and minerals are great, but if you do not take care of other aspects of your body, that is – if you smoke or drink excessively, if you are overweight or rarely exercise, vitamins and minerals will only go so far in maintaining your health: Without paying attention to these other things, vitamins, and minerals, alone, will likely not save your life.